Receding Gums

Gums recede for due to an infection of the gums and the bone surrounding the teeth or because of too much pressure placed on them from an unhealthy bite. If it is an infection of your gums and surrounding bone causing the recession then you have periodontal disease. This disease slowly dissolves away the bone surrounding your teeth. It is often associated with bleeding gums and a buildup of tarter along the roots of your teeth. Many things can be the cause of this infection to occur.

One way is older dental work, which may not cause pain, but is failing and allowing the bacteria in your mouth the get in between the dental work and your teeth. This traps the bacteria, especially between your teeth and causes a constant source of infection. Another source of the infection may be a lowered immune system. This is usually caused by diabetes or a prolonged illness such as pneumonia. The bacterium that causes this disease is found in everyone’s mouth. Our own immune system should keep the disease from developing. But when we get sick our immune system is not as strong and the bacteria can grow too much and start to cause recession.

Too much stress on your teeth can also cause recession. If you teeth do not meet properly you will have place too much pressure on them or hit them at the wrong angles. This will cause the teeth to bend and flex and eventually the bone surrounding your teeth will shrink away from the excess force. Notches may even develop in your teeth near the gum line. These may become sensitive over time. This type of recession is usually associated with clenching and grinding your teeth. If you have been diagnosed with TMJ problems you are at risk for this type of recession.

Both of these types of recession can be treated so that you have a beautiful smile that does not hurt when you drink something cold, hot, or sweet. The key to treating it is to first find out what is truly causing it and then begin to treat the causes.

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